When Major League Baseball announced the 2011 schedule they did so amidst a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the Arizona Diamondbacks. There were rumors that MLB was in negotiations to have two teams open the season internationally with Opening Day being in Taiwan.

The teams were identified as the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Francisco Giants. Baseball fans were warned that this was not finalized and it could change. As time went on it began appearing as though this trip would become a reality.